Oban Camanachd beat pre-match blows to reach Macaulay Cup semis

Oban Camanachd were delivered a pre-match blow when Louie MacFarlane was ruled out after suffering some shoulder damage against Kingussie the previous week and whilst the news isn’t as bad as first feared, MacFarlane’s still looking at 2-3 weeks out. 

Camanachd have been managing Connor Howe’s hamstring injury all season, but it flared up again last week, so he was rested. Gary McKerracher missed out with a foot injury, Ross Macmillan hurt his back at work and Lorne Dickie remained bothered by a muscle injury. 

The news on Calum MacMillan was much better though as it was confirmed he isn’t going to need an operation, and after training during the week, he was named as a substitute. 

The big surprise in the Oban ranks was manager Daniel Cameron’s inclusion at full centre. New signing Kyle MacFarlane was cup-tied having already played in the competition at the first-round stage for Oban Celtic.

There were places on the bench for Iain Duffy, Fin McKechnie and Craig Macmillan.

Ross Campbell started and didn’t take long to make an impression as he gave the Oban side the lead after just 2 minutes, taking a ball from the right and showing good control before slipping it by the keeper.

The outcome wasn’t finally settled until Daniel MacVicar made it 2-0 with a low strike from wide on the left on the hour and Lewis Cameron added a third straight from the restart, with a clean strike by the keeper.

Oban Camanachd will now play Kyles Athletic in the semi-finals with that tie currently scheduled for Saturday 25 July 2026.

Oban Camanachd assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “We scored three goals, we kept a clean sheet, and we didn’t suffer any injuries, so we are happy enough. It was also a chance to get the Kingussie game out of our system, and we reacted well to do just that.

“With all the players that were missing, we needed that bit of experience and it was me who suggested Daniel Cameron should play. He hasn’t played for a year or so, so his body was rested, and he took part in training through the week. He did well on Saturday and marshalled things from the middle of the park, so he is a handy option for us.

“Ross Campbell started, and not only did he give us the lead, but he also got through the match without any problems. The heavens opened after that first goal, and the rain made it difficult for both teams. It was also a real bonus to have Calum MacMillan, who trained midweek, and he did well.

“Iain Duffy came off the bench at half-time and Fin McKechnie was introduced for the final 20 minutes, and both deserved their chance for their performances with Lochside this season. We didn’t use Craig Macmillan but that’s only because we didn’t want to count to his senior games and risk him being cup-tied at Lochside.”

Oban Camanachd have lost the services of Joe MacVicar who has signed for Mowi Premiership rivals Kyles Athletic. Iain MacMillan added: “Joe has had opportunities this season, but I think he wanted more game time. The switch isn’t one we saw coming but he’s a good lad and we wish him all the best.”

Oban Camanachd, sponsored by TSL Contractors, now look forward to Saturday’s Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup Final against Glasgow Mid Argyll at Peterson Park.

Iain MacMillan added: “We’ll have players back for the final. We’ll take a pool of seventeen players, but I can confirm that despite his good performance last Saturday, Daniel Cameron won’t be one of them.

“It’s a big day for the club as our under-17s are in the MacQuisten Cup Final against Kyles Athletic. Scott Campbell is the under-17 captain so there’s every chance he will feature in both finals, and it will be difficult for the youngsters as Kyles have Ethan Kerr in their ranks, and he will be a big threat.”